“It was me,” Reese said to the press. “I think I rushed a lot of my shots, and I didn’t take my time finishing around the basket like I’ve been doing the last two games. It happens. I’m just looking forward to the next game.”

Can the Dream get back to winning ways? Absolutely. In fact, Reese believes they need to return to the form that carried them all the way to the WNBA Finals.

“Just get it back to who we are. Our identity,” Reese also added. “Being the enforcers and just knowing who we are. I think our second quarter is what, honestly, killed us. So, just being able to get back to it, I think our second half was great. We applied a lot of pressure, but we can’t wait until the 2nd half to do it, especially in Ballhalla.”

A tough night for Reese

Angel Reese had a brutal night at the office in Game 4 against the Valkyries, struggling to find any rhythm in Atlanta’s tight 67-62 loss. After dominant, double-double outings earlier in the series, Reese was completely held in check, finishing with just 8 points on a rough 2-of-12 shooting (16.7% FG), missing out on a double-double with 9 rebounds, and giving up 6 costly turnovers in her 34 minutes on the floor.

Golden State’s defense choked off her scoring lanes inside, and while she still managed to chip in 3 blocks, 3 assists, and a steal, her cold shooting and ball-handling miscues were a huge reason the Dream couldn’t close out the Finals at home, letting the Valkyries knot the series up at 2-2.

What’s next for the WNBA Finals?

With the WNBA Finals locked in a tight 2–2 series tie, things move to crucial territory starting with Game 5 on Monday, October 26, 2026 at the Chase Center in San Francisco. The series then shifts back to Atlanta for Game 6 on Thursday, October 29, though the specific arena remains officially marked as TBD due to a scheduling conflict at State Farm Arena with the Atlanta Hawks. If the series goes the full distance, a winner-take-all Game 7 is slated for Saturday, October 31 back at the Chase Center.

Key takeaways

• Angel Reese took responsibility for the Atlanta Dream’s Game 4 loss against Golden State.
• Angel Reese scored eight points on 2-of-12 shooting in the 67-62 defeat.
• Game 5 of the WNBA Finals takes place Monday, October 26, 2026, in San Francisco.

“It’s funny. They told me to go get it. They told me to keep going and push through in our last game in New York. So shout out to them, but I’m just doing whatever it takes to win,” said Reese in the postgame interview on the court.

Reese has steadily established herself as one of the league’s top players, and she wants to cap it off with a championship. Can the Dream finally capture the first title in franchise history?

Angel Reese’s big night

Angel Reese put on an absolute masterclass to power the Atlanta Dream to a 79–65 victory over the Golden State Valkyries in Game 2 of the WNBA Finals. Dominating the paint all night, Reese dropped a massive double-double with 30 points and 16 rebounds (including 4 offensive boards), while shooting 10-of-16 from the field.

She also chipped in 3 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steal, and sank 9 of her 11 free throws to help even up the championship series. The Dream have one of their biggest stars playing at an outstanding level, which is crucial at this stage of the season.

The Finals roll on

With the series tied up, the 2026 WNBA Finals between the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries shift to Georgia for Game 3 on Wednesday, October 21 and Game 4 on Saturday, October 24, both hosted at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.

If necessary, the series heads back to Chase Center in San Francisco for Game 5 on Monday, October 26, returns to Gateway Center Arena (or State Farm Arena) for Game 6 on Thursday, October 29, and wraps up with a deciding Game 7 back at Chase Center on Saturday, October 31.

Key takeaways

• 2026 WNBA Finals tied after the Atlanta Dream’s victory over the Golden State Valkyries.
• Angel Reese scored 30 points and 16 rebounds in Game 2 at Chase Center.
• Game 3 takes place on Wednesday, October 21 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.

“I don’t think they (Valkyries) really did anything (to slow her down in the second half). Maybe that was just on me,” Reese said to the press. “I wasn’t aggressive enough with the ball… So, definitely going to do a better job of that next game.”

For Reese, the approach is simple: review her performance, make the necessary adjustments, and improve ahead of Game 2 to even the series. “Yeah, just going back into the film room and figuring out things that we messed up on, things that we can be better at.”

Although the series is a best-of-seven, every setback can carry significant weight. Now, it remains to be seen whether the Dream can quickly bounce back from their Game 1 loss and secure their first win of the series.

Reese’s Game 1 numbers

Angel Reese dropped a solid double-double in Game 1 of the 2026 WNBA Finals against the Valkyries, putting up 14 points and pulling down 12 rebounds (including 5 offensive boards) in 35 minutes of action.

She shot 5-for-11 from the field (45.5%) and chipped in defensively with 2 steals and 1 block, though 4 turnovers and 5 fouls made it a tough grind as the Atlanta Dream dropped a tight 68–64 battle on the road.

What’s next for the series?

The 2026 WNBA Finals remain in San Francisco for Game 2 on Monday, October 19, back at the Chase Center as the Atlanta Dream try to level the series before heading home. From there, the action shifts south to Atlanta for Game 3 on Wednesday, October 21, with the Dream hosting the Valkyries at State Farm Arena.

Key takeaways

• Atlanta Dream lost 68–64 to the Golden State Valkyries in WNBA Finals Game 1.
• Angel Reese recorded 14 points and 12 rebounds in 35 minutes of action.
• Game 2 takes place on Monday, October 19 at the Chase Center in San Francisco.

“The job is not done…we’re not satisfied,” Reese firmly stated during her press conference. Of course, it won’t be easy, as they will be up against Gabby Williams and a talented team.

Reese has had a great season in this new chapter of her career after leaving the Chicago Sky. Her message to the fans was also clear and emphatic: “Atlanta, I can’t wait to see you in the Finals.”

The Dream are chasing their first championship

The Atlanta Dream are hungrier than ever to finally break through and claim the first WNBA championship in franchise history. While the team has built a solid foundation over the years—highlighted by 3 Eastern Conference titles (2010, 2011, 2013) and 4 WNBA Finals appearances—the big trophy has always remained just out of reach.

After falling short in three agonizing championship sweeps to the Seattle Storm in 2010 and the Minnesota Lynx in 2011 and 2013, the Dream are determined to rewrite their postseason narrative and turn past heartbreak into their ultimate championship glory.

A sweep against New York

The Dream put on an absolute masterclass in the WNBA Eastern Conference Finals, sweeping the New York Liberty in three straight games to secure their spot in the Finals. They set the tone right away in Game 1 with a solid 92-82 victory, doubled down in a thrilling Game 2 overtime battle with a 101-98 win, and sealed the deal in Game 3 by pulling off an 85-83 nail-biter on the road.

Angel Reese was the absolute centerpiece of Atlanta’s dominant run, imposing her will on the court with huge, clutch performances—dropping 23 points in Game 2 and leading the charge with a team-high 22 points in Game 3 to send the Liberty packing and propel the Dream back to the Finals for the first time in 13 years.

Key takeaways

• Angel Reese warned the Golden State Valkyries ahead of the 2026 WNBA Finals.
• The Atlanta Dream hold 3 Eastern Conference titles from 2010, 2011, and 2013.
• The Atlanta Dream swept the New York Liberty in three straight games.

“Looking at last year and the success they had under one year with Karl [Smesko],” Reese said to reporters before the game vs Dallas Wings. “I watched Karl when he was with FGCU, and when I was at Maryland, I played against him. I was just seeing how the player development was and how he developed Naz [Hillmon] in one year, and how I wanted that.

“Just being able to find somewhere that fits with me. I knew off the court this was going to be the place for me. On the court I wanted to do something to help a team get to the championship because I’ve won at every level, and I want to win a WNBA championship no matter what it looks like for me.”

With only a handful of games played in the 2026 WNBA season, the Atlanta Dream currently sit atop the Eastern Conference standings. Although there is still a long way to go, the truth is that Reese seems to have found an environment where she can fully unlock her potential and, why not, dream of winning a championship.

Reese emerges as a cornerstone for Atlanta

In her first stretch with the Atlanta Dream during the 2026 season, Angel Reese has quickly made her presence felt in the frontcourt. Over her first four games, she is averaging 11.8 rebounds and 11.5 points per game, highlighted by a dominant 15-point, 9-rebound performance in a decisive 86-69 victory against the Dallas Wings.

While adjusting to her new offensive role has come with a few bumps—including some high-turnover games against physical defenses—her elite rim protection and unmatched tenacity on the offensive glass have anchoring Atlanta to an impressive start, positioning the Dream as a legitimate threat in the early WNBA standings.

The Dream know Reese’s importance

Many times, great players only need a handful of games to showcase all their talent. Angel Reese is one of them, and her teammates on the Atlanta Dream have made it clear just how crucial her presence will be throughout the season.

“We’re gonna continue to let her know that we need her at every possession,” Rhyne Howard said. “I’ve been in her ear a lot about just staying composed because I know I’m gonna need her in the long run. So just making sure that she knows that and making sure that she knows her values to this team. I think it’s going to be super, super key to our success in the future.”

What’s next for the Dream?

• vs Phoenix Mercury, May 24th
• at Minnesota Lynx, May 27th
• at Portland Fire, May 29th
• vs Connecticut Sun, June 2nd

The team coached by Karl Smesko has recorded three wins and just one loss so far this season, and is slowly looking to establish itself among the teams that will be fighting for the championship until the very end.

While this year, Stephanie White’s star player will earn a salary of $528,846, under the league’s new rules her financial future appears to be much more promising.

Because Clark earned All-WNBA honors as a rookie, she has unique leverage. What’s this story about? She is eligible to renegotiate her fourth-year salary into a much higher figure or sign a multi-year extension as early as this year. Also, she could be eligible for a max contract extension worth up to $1.3 million per year.

The message from the Indiana Fever is clear: they aim to keep their franchise star for years to come. It remains to be seen what will happen in the near future, but the outlook appears favorable for both sides.

Caitlin Clark’s salary compared to Angel Reese’s

While both players are seeing historic pay increases under the league’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement, a notable gap remains in their base compensation for the 2026 season.

Angel Reese is set to earn approximately $350,692 this year, a massive leap from her previous rookie-scale salary but still significantly lower than the figures projected for Clark. Beyond the financial shift, Reese’s career is entering a new chapter following her recent blockbuster trade from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream earlier this April.

This move, which sent Reese to Atlanta in exchange for multiple first-round picks, marks a major transition as she looks to anchor a new franchise while navigating the WNBA’s rapidly evolving economic landscape.

Clark is eagerly awaiting the new WNBA season

With Caitlin Clark at full physical strength, the Indiana Fever are entering a crucial stretch as they transition from their preseason success—highlighted by a dominant 109–91 win over the Liberty—into the official 2026 campaign. Their final preseason tune-ups include a home matchup tonight, April 30, against the Dallas Wings, followed by a meeting with the Nigerian National Team on May 2.

The regular season kicks off with high expectations on May 9 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse against Dallas, marking the start of a demanding May schedule that features key road tests against the Los Angeles Sparks and the Golden State Valkyries.

So, what could be her next destination if a trade does happen? While several franchises might be interested in the former LSU star’s services, according to insider reports, Reese may be headed to the West Coast.

According to PFSN writer Aharon Abhishek, the Los Angeles Sparks could be a great fit for one of the WNBA’s top defensive players to showcase her full talent heading into the future.

“The Sparks have missed the postseason for two straight years, and adding Reese would strengthen their defense, a major area of concern after they lost center Cameron Brink for the first half of the season.”

Is Angel Reese heading out of Chicago?

Her entrance into the league was extraordinary, but her second year with the Sky didn’t go as planned. This situation, combined with the recent controversy surrounding her, has led many to consider the possibility that Angel Reese might leave the franchise in search of a fresh start.

The @TheDunkCentral reported via X: “The Chicago Sky could attempt to trade Angel Reese this summer, and she’s expected to draw interest from multiple teams.”

“Multiple WNBA teams will pursue a trade for Chicago Sky star Angel Reese this offseason, sources told DallasHoopsJournal. “Sky players, coaches and higher-ups are not happy with Reese after what she said to the Chicago Tribune, sources said. Chicago could attempt to trade Reese this offseason, sources said.”

Reese’s controversy with the Sky

One of the league’s top stars in recent weeks found herself embroiled in controversy—not only with her teammates but also with the upper management of the Sky—after demanding a more competitive roster to achieve better results. Will Reese get what she wants on another team? Or will she stay in the Windy City to fight for a championship next season?

For many within the Sky organization, her remarks were seen as crossing the line. Calling for roster upgrades is one thing, but publicly suggesting that her teammates weren’t good enough broke an unspoken locker room rule: keep frustrations in-house.

Apologies alone may not be enough to mend the damage. Sources told Dallas Hoops Journal that the Sky are seriously considering trading Reese, with multiple WNBA teams expected to show interest during the upcoming offseason.

The fallout was swift. The Sky suspended Reese for the first half of a game against the Las Vegas Aces, citing “detrimental comments” toward the team. Reese later apologized, insisting her words had been taken out of context and clarifying that she had no intention of disrespecting her teammates.

What did Reese say?

According to Dallas Hoops Journal, the Sky are actively weighing the possibility of trading the 23-year-old forward after her candid comments to the Chicago Tribune angered teammates, coaches, and front-office executives.

Reese didn’t hold back when asked about the direction of the franchise. “I’m not settling for the same s***t we did this year. We have to get good players. We have to get great players. That’s a non-negotiable for me. I’m willing and wanting to play with the best. And however I can help to get the best here, that’s what I’m going to do this offseason.”

What Reese could bring to other teams

For rival front offices, the chance to add a 6-foot-3 forward averaging 14.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game is too enticing to ignore. Reese has already recorded 49 double-doubles in just 64 games, making her one of the most consistent rebounders in the WNBA and a cornerstone piece for any team looking to contend.

It’s well known that one of Stephanie White’s key players — who will miss the postseason due to a season-ending knee injury — remains highly active on social media. This time, through her podcast, she addressed Reese’s recent comments about the quality of the Chicago Sky roster.

“No that’s not great and I get when you’re losing and it’s been a frustrating season, like everyone is feeling those emotions,” Cunningham started. “And when I say everyone, it’s not just her, I’m sure her teammates feel it, her coaches feel it, the organization feels, the fans, like literally everyone feels that.

“And there’s some things that you, and this is coming from me, there is some things that you can’t say. And I think one of my biggest things is I’m a very team first person. Like I always put the team before my feelings and I think that should be a standard. So you got to protect your locker room and so you just can be saying everything your feeling because it’s just not a good look.”

What did Angel Reese say?

The Chicago Sky’s season was, without a doubt, a disappointment — especially for their star player, Angel Reese. The former LSU standout didn’t hold back, delivering blunt remarks about the overall performance and level of play shown by her team.

“We have to get good players. We have to get great players. That’s a non-negotiable for me,” Reese told reporters last week.

“I am very vocal about what we need and what I want,” she also added. “I’d like to be here for my career, but if things don’t pan out, obviously I might have to move in a different direction and do what’s best for me. But while I am here, I’m going to try to stay open-minded about what I have here and maximize that as much as I can.”

Reese’s suspension

Following controversial comments she made to a local newspaper, Chicago Sky star Angel Reese has been suspended by the team. The organization announced that Reese had to miss the first half of their game against the Las Vegas Aces for “statements detrimental to the team.”

This internal punishment comes on top of a separate WNBA-mandated one-game suspension she received for accumulating her eighth technical foul of the season. In her comments, Reese had voiced her frustration with the team’s struggles, stating that the organization needed to “get great players” and that she might “have to move in a different direction” if things didn’t improve.

While she has reportedly apologized to her teammates, the Sky’s decision sends a clear message about accountability and team unity.

Clark delivered devastating news to Fever fans earlier this week, confirming she will miss the remainder of the 2025 season. After missing her 19th consecutive game for Indiana, the reigning Rookie of the Year announced she will not return to play this year.

“I had hoped to share a better update, but I will not be returning to play this season,” Clark wrote on X. “I spent hours in the gym every day with the singular goal of getting back out there. ‘Disappointed’ isn’t a big enough word to describe how I am feeling. I want to thank everyone who had my back through all the uncertainty”.

“This has been incredibly frustrating, but even in the bad, there is good. The way the fans continued to show up for me, and for the Fever, brought me so much joy and important perspective. I am so proud of how this team has only gotten stronger through adversity this year. Now it’s time to close out the season and claim our spot in the playoffs,” she concluded.

Clark has been sidelined since July 13 with groin and quad injuries. Although she had recently progressed to non-contact and 5-on-0 drills during practice, the Fever opted to shut her down rather than rush her return, prioritizing her recovery.

Fellow stars react to Clark’s season-ending news

Following the devastating announcement, numerous athletes and teammates shared messages of support for the Fever star. Lakers superstar LeBron James was among the first to respond on Clark’s Instagram post: “Minor setback for a MAJOR COMEBACK!! Rest up, get healthy and be YOU!”

Within the Fever, Sophie Cunningham, who is also out for the season with a torn MCL, simply commented: “Love you”. Teammate Lexie Hull added words of encouragement, writing: “2026 going to be the best season yet”.

In a recent interview with Julia Poe of the Chicago Tribune, Reese stressed that they must do a better campaign next season and the franchise must sign impact players for next season — calling it as a “non-negotiable” condition.

“I’m not settling for the same s— we did this year,” Reese said. “We have to get good players. We have to get great players. That’s a non-negotiable for me. I am very vocal about what we need and what I want”.

Reese also hinted that her future with Chicago could depend on the team’s direction moving forward. While she expressed her desire to spend her entire WNBA career with the Sky, she admitted she would consider leaving if the roster does not improve.

“I’d like to be here for my career, but if things don’t pan out, obviously I might have to move in a different direction and do what’s best for me,” Reese added. “But while I am here, I’m going to try to stay open-minded about what I have here and maximize that as much as I can”.

Despite the Sky’s struggles, Reese has been the team’s most consistent force, leading Chicago in both scoring and rebounding. She is averaging 14.6 points and 12.6 rebounds across 29 of the team’s 39 games this year.

Reese calls for point guard reinforcements

One area Reese specifically highlighted was the point guard position, currently held by veteran Courtney Vandersloot, who will miss the rest of the 2025 season after suffering a torn ACL in a loss to the Indiana Fever.

While Vandersloot’s absence has been felt on the floor, Reese stressed that the Sky cannot simply wait for the 36-year-old to return from injury. Instead, she believes the franchise must target a younger guard who can compete for a championship right away.

“We can’t rely on Courtney to come back at the age that she’s at,” Reese said. “I know she’ll be a great asset for us, but we can’t rely on that. We need someone probably a little younger with some experience, somebody who’s been playing the game and is willing to compete for a championship and has done it before”.